April 17, 2001 Missoulian (AP) article: Grizzly bear menaces fisherman in Teton.
RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) - Grand Teton National Park officials have posted signs to warn the public about a grizzly bear that attacked a fisherman on a highway bridge Sunday.
Ken Bates of Dubois was fishing under U.S. 89 at Flagg Ranch when the roughly 300-pound bear appeared within 30 feet of him, he said.
"It just about blew me out of my socks," he said.
The bear whined and popped its jaws in an apparent signal of aggression, he said.
Bates said he picked up several rocks, slowly backed away and climbed up an embankment. The bear followed him up to the highway and backed him up to the edge of the bridge.
"He whined all the time he was coming after me," he said. "He was like a little robot, I
*ve never seen one act like that."Bates started considering jumping off the bridge, although he was wearing heavy boots and is not a good swimmer.
As he stepped over the railing and turned to jump, the bear rushed him and bit the arm of his coat, scratching his arm, he said,
He punched the animal as hard as he could, hitting the animal
*s teeth with his fist, he said. The bear let go of his coat arid Bates was able to reach in his pocket, grab a rock and throw it, striking the bear*s head.The bear walked away, helped along by a passing motorist honking his horn, he said.
CAG Comment
Craig Dahl near Glacier National Park was not as fortunate as Mr. Bates, and that is only the tip of the iceberg!
End CAG Comment